Powerbeats Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Powerbeats Pro 2 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are direct rivals in the premium wireless earbuds class, one from Beats and one from Google. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is ahead in 2 of 3, led by a clear margin in battery & charging.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Powerbeats Pro 2 wins
- Features & Connectivity Powerbeats Pro 2 wins
- Price Pixel Buds Pro 2 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging8.2
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging6.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a 0.14 oz lighter build
The Pixel Buds Pro 2’s 0.17 oz leaves the Powerbeats Pro 2’s 0.31 oz well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Fit and pressure matter as much as weight, but a lighter build is a good starting point for comfort.
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The Powerbeats Pro 2 has 6 h more total battery with the case
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Powerbeats Pro 2 leads with 36 h to 30 h. Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
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The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a tougher IP54 rating
Only a little separates them: IP54 on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, IPX4 on the Powerbeats Pro 2. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is better protected, which matters if you run in all weather.
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The Powerbeats Pro 2 has built-in heart-rate sensing
This is a feature gap rather than a spec gap: the Pixel Buds Pro 2 simply lacks it. If you already wear a fitness tracker, this feature is a nice extra rather than a must-have.
Design & Size
Weight-conscious buyers will note the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s 0.14 oz advantage.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Ear-hook | In-ear (stemless) with twist-to-adjust stabilizer |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.31 oz Heaviest in class | 0.17 oz (winner) Lightest in class |
| Case weight | 2.43 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
Call the sound & noise cancelling round a draw. The sound & noise cancelling verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Battery & Charging
Powerbeats Pro 2 leads
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes close on battery & charging, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 does just enough to lead. The Powerbeats Pro 2 makes its case with 6 h more total battery with the case. The Powerbeats Pro 2’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips. So if battery & charging tops your list, lean toward the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Battery (with case)
Powerbeats Pro 2: 36 h Pixel Buds Pro 2: 30 h A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
Features & Connectivity
Powerbeats Pro 2 leads
Call it a small but real win for the Powerbeats Pro 2 in this area. The Powerbeats Pro 2 steps ahead thanks to built-in heart-rate sensing. Built-in heart-rate sensing lets you track workouts without wearing a watch or chest strap. Prioritize features & connectivity, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 is where you should land.
Heart-rate sensing
Powerbeats Pro 2: yes Pixel Buds Pro 2: no The Powerbeats Pro 2 can measure your heart rate during exercise; the Pixel Buds Pro 2 leaves that to other devices.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.43 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | N/A (not specified) |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 8 h | 8 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 36 h (winner) Most total battery | 30 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Class 1 Bluetooth (Apple H2 chip) | Bluetooth 5.4 (LE Audio), Tensor A1 chip |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | Yes (winner) | No |
| Controls | Physical button + volume rocker on each earbud | Capacitive touch (tap and swipe) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Ear-hook | In-ear (stemless) with twist-to-adjust stabilizer |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.31 oz Heaviest in class | 0.17 oz (winner) Lightest in class |
| Case weight | 2.43 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $250 | $229 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched for $21 less, a gap small enough that the specs should decide. Spending the extra $21 on the Powerbeats Pro 2 gets you 6 h more total battery with the case and built-in heart-rate sensing over the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Based on US launch pricing as of February 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Powerbeats Pro 2 if…
- you want more total battery with the case (36 h vs 30 h)
- you want built-in heart-rate sensing
- you’re loyal to Beats and happy with it
Choose the Pixel Buds Pro 2 if…
- you wear them for hours and want less weight on your ears (0.17 oz vs 0.31 oz)
- you work out hard or get caught in the rain (IP54 vs IPX4)
- you want more value for your money ($21 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Powerbeats Pro 2 or the Pixel Buds Pro 2?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you value a 0.14 oz lighter build above everything else.
Which has better battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 or the Pixel Buds Pro 2?
On paper, the Powerbeats Pro 2 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are evenly matched on battery, so expect similar endurance.
Is the Powerbeats Pro 2 cheaper than the Pixel Buds Pro 2?
Going by launch prices, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 costs $21 less than the Powerbeats Pro 2. Prices as of February 2025; current offers may differ.
Which weighs less, the Powerbeats Pro 2 or the Pixel Buds Pro 2?
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is lighter, by 0.14 oz.
Executive Summary
The Powerbeats Pro 2 from Beats and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 from Google go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. To me, the standout is that the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers 6 h more total battery with the case. Plus, the Powerbeats Pro 2 gets built-in heart-rate sensing, which I wouldn’t overlook. That said, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 answers with a 0.14 oz lighter build, which some people will value more.
If you’d rather have strength in battery & charging, go with the Powerbeats Pro 2. If comfort is what you’d miss, go with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
My pick: the Powerbeats Pro 2, with one exception: if you know that a 0.14 oz lighter build would make a real difference in your routine, go for the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.